Salford has sixty new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the cumulative total to 2,674, up from the previous day's 2,614.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, cases in Manchester rose to 6,114 (up from 5,990), followed by Bolton 4,157 (up from 4,070), Oldham with 3,779 (up from 3,737), Wigan 2,993 (up from 2,954), Rochdale 2,986 (up from 2,920), Tameside 2,685 (up from 2,647), Stockport 2,444 (up from 2,418), Trafford 2,074 (up from 2,041) and Bury 2,280 (up from 2,225).
There have been no new virus-related deaths announced by Salford Royal Hospital.
Meanwhile, today, new regulations kick in, including that pubs, cafes and restaurants must close at 10pm, including takeaways (although they can deliver after this time); that, in licensed premises, food and drink must be ordered from, and served at, a table; and that customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink, while staff in hospitality and retail will now also have to wear face coverings.
Also from today, indoor organised sport for over 18s will no longer be exempt from the rule of six, except sport for disabled people.
For a full list of changes see the Government website – click here.
Today also sees the launch of the much awaited NHS COVID-19 app which includes features such as contact tracing using Bluetooth, risk alerts based on postcode district, QR check-in at venues, symptom checker and test booking. The Government states that privacy and data security is 'at its heart'...
"The contact tracing element of the app works by using low-energy Bluetooth to log the amount of time you spend near other app users, and the distance between you, so it can alert you if someone you have been close to later tests positive for COVID-19 – even if you don't know each other" states the Government info.
"The app will advise you to self-isolate if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case" it adds "It will also enable you to check symptoms, book a free test if needed and get your test results.
"The app has been designed with user privacy in mind, so it tracks the virus, not people and uses the latest in data security technology to protect privacy" it explains "The system generates a random ID for an individual's device, which can be exchanged between devices via Bluetooth (not GPS). These unique random IDs regenerate frequently to add an extra layer of security and preserve anonymity. The app does not hold personal information such as your name, address or date of birth, and only requires the first half of your postcode to ensure local outbreaks can be managed. No personal data is shared with the government or the NHS."
From today, certain businesses are required by law to display NHS Test and Trace QR codes so customers with the NHS COVID-19 app can use them to check-in.
"We are at a tipping point in our efforts to control the spread of this virus" says Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock "With infection rates rising we must use every tool at our disposal to prevent transmission, including the latest technology.
"We have worked extensively with tech companies, international partners, and privacy and medical experts – and learned from the trials – to develop an app that is secure, simple to use and will help keep our country safe" he explains "Today's launch marks an important step forward in our fight against this invisible killer and I urge everyone who can to download and use the app to protect themselves and their loved ones..."
In Finland, the Government is using specially trained dogs at Helsinki airport to test for the virus. Passengers rub their necks with a wipe which the dogs then sniff and can detect the virus within ten seconds, with a 94% success rate...
For a video about the NHS COVID-19 app and for lots more information – click here
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